Final Thoughts on Montlaur, France

Well, the Flett's have had the most incredible six months living in this Petite Village in the South of France. It is now time to say Au revoir...and there are many things here that will be sadly missed....

I will miss the charm, seclusion and simplicity of this small village of less than 600 people in France.

I will miss the harsh, rocky dry landscape that looks that it should belong closer to Jerusalem than Toulouse.

I will miss the endless fields of vines, and the privilege I have had to watch them throughout all seasons, finally to witness their leaves turn crimson and the harvest of the fruit.

I will miss the soft light of the late afternoon that changes from harsh and turns everything pastel.

I will miss living in a town that only has a general store, a bakery, a butcher,a pharmacy and a hairdresser's, and one frenchman that speaks english.

I will miss the closeness of neighbours, both in proximity and community spirit, and the acknowledgement received on encounter with a look in the eye and a friendly "Bonjour".

I will miss the loud speakers in the town that plays wartime tunes, and the Marseillaise (although never a complete song) to signal a public annoucement- that I can never understand.

I will miss the church bells, that have been my constant companion and toll every hour and half hour...with a concerto at 7am and 7pm

I will miss the Gorges Du Congoust that winds between the towns, it's beautiful river and scenery and the death defying drive required through this.

I will miss swimming in the rivers, warm and clean enough to indulge.

I will miss Carcassonne Castle, it's walls and turrets always provoking a sigh of delight, and a sight I will never tire off.

I will miss the diversity of landscapes, from dry rocky Corbieres, to alpine Montsegur, to the coast of Narbonne.

I wil miss the fascinating history of this region. The Cathars, the Grail, the War.

I will miss the wonderful people of Montlaur. Our elderly neighbour Monsieur Bazaga, who endeared himself to Maya and Will.

Vivianne who spoilt them with treats and brought me freshly grown vegetables, The Mayor, who always included us in events and helped whenever needed. Phillipe the grocer, who tested and teased my french and who I added hilarity to his day ( even on departure thanking him and his "husband" ..ooops), Precilla the hairdresser, the school, and our dear vintner Christain who made Montlaur all the more special teaching us it's history and the mysteries of winemaking and sharing the profits of his craft with us.

I will miss our newly made English friends, Martin, Sally, and my tutor Una, our nextdoor neighbours Sarah and Mike...who helped us learn the region, shared the knowledge they had and enthusiastically accepted tales of our own discoveries.

I will miss the excitement of Vide Greniers, the possibilities of forgotten treasures and exceptional bargains, as well as the villages these markets took us to that may otherwise remained unexplored.

I will miss the French language, and my slowly progressing comprehension and confidence.

To all our friends who made huge efforts and great expense to share our adventure. Sharing the experience made it all the more special for us. We will not leave France unchanged and I do not think anyone who left here, left quite the same, but was richer in someway for the time shared .

To Debbie and Terry and the fateful events that led us to them and to Montlaur, and who opened their beloved and charming house to us.



I Will Not miss the dog pooh that is everywhere here...not our girls.................

I Will Not miss the twenty + scorpions in our house we terminated, the scitterish large centipede like bugs with huge feelers ( eeeeek!), the spider in the bathroon the size of my hand.....


If you would like to see a very entertaining slideshow of Montlaur that my nextdoor neighboor created ( all those who have visited will totally GET this)
please visit this link...hysterical.....there are two to choose from ..Montlaur: The Old days ..is my favourite

http://www.slide.com/r/WIPzanUHwz_q5o1o_0GhG4t3N7PWh4U6?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original


Lots of love Denise